Better Futures Together: The Evolution of Higher Education

Kiki and the Duality of Crisis:

Andrea introduces the Japanese concept of Kiki, emphasising the dual nature of crisis as both danger and opportunity. This theme threads throughout the episode, underscoring the challenges and possibilities in the higher education sector. “There’s a word Kiki in Japanese which means crisis. It’s written with the words danger and opportunity. In other words, a crisis can be seen as a dangerous time but equally is a time for opportunity,” Andrea elaborates. “we have a choice over which one we take. I think that’s pertinent to the higher education space today. In terms of the open AI news and ASU, there’s been so much hype about the impact on jobs and how universities are teaching their organisational structures.”

Bold Steps in AI Collaborations:

Martin draws attention to recent developments at Arizona State University, signing a strategic partnership with OpenAI, a move that caught his attention and sparked excitement about institutions embracing evolving technology. Andrea adds depth by noting that while such partnerships are transformative, not every university can or should replicate the scale of ASU, reinforcing the idea that generative AI technologies like chat GPT are not the answer but the question. “I think there is a question which is, could institutions take a more rigorous commercial approach to thinking about the tech investment, not just what they’re buying or building or co-learning, but what they can invest in or partner with others on?” She asks. “I think it’s about really pinpointing the return on investment. And I think where we’re likely to see the positive outcomes is where there’s a financial entrepreneurship approach, which captures the benefits to the university.”

Andrea advocates for student-centric approaches in education, highlighting the positive impact of technology that engages learners and supports their studies. While acknowledging unanswered questions about governance, ethics, and intellectual property related to AI avatars, she sees it as a commendable example of institutions harnessing technology. Burrows highlights the importance of considering risk appetite, institutional balance, financial opportunities, and positive learner outcomes. She encourages universities to embrace new technology, positioning it as a forward-thinking and beneficial move for the education sector.

Financial Challenges and Tech Investments:

The conversation shifts to the financial challenges faced by UK universities. Andrea provides insights into the financial complexities and suggests that institutions could benefit from a more rigorous commercial approach to tech investments. She emphasises the importance of visionary leadership that captures the benefits of technology for both the university and its students.

Loughborough’s Bold Vision:

The spotlight then turns to Loughborough University, where recent news highlighted the use of AI avatars to replicate lectures from global experts. Professor Nick Jennings, the Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University shares his career path from AI researcher to university leader, showcasing the importance of problem-solving and making a real-world impact. “A lot of my academic career has been about both theoretical science, I’m quite interested in solutions, you have a degree of confidence to work and do what they think they are going to do,” he explains. “And then their application to make the world a better place”. He articulates Loughborough’s distinctive features, including its campus, strengths, critical mass, and the can-do attitude of its staff and students.

Talking Tech

Nick views the current state of AI as promising and challenging, much like the concept of Kiki. Acknowledging the hype surrounding AI, he believes it will undoubtedly impact all aspects of university life. In a recent blog, Jennings outlined three main areas where AI will make a difference: research, organisational management, and education. He sees AI already influencing research by enabling new disciplines like the ethics of sentient machines and computational creativity. Additionally, AI is expected to enhance the efficiency of research activities. Jennings foresees AI affecting how universities are run, incorporating it into HR, marketing, and other areas. Regarding education, he acknowledges the potential for AI to personalise interactions and create AI-powered tutors. However, he emphasises the need for careful consideration in using AI in education, urging a balanced and fair approach to assessment.

This episode of the HEDx podcast offers a glimmer into the climate of UK higher education, highlighting the importance of visionary leadership, strategic collaborations, and a willingness to work together with digital change. As universities learn to navigate the dualities of crisis, they are encouraged to find opportunities for creating better futures, both internally and through joint efforts.